Abu Dhabi-based sovereign investor ADQ has joined forces with the Gates Foundation in a landmark four-year, $40 million partnership aimed at scaling the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence and Education Technology to enhance foundational learning across sub-Saharan Africa. The announcement was made during Abu Dhabi Finance Week, coinciding with a visit by Bill Gates to the UAE.
ADQ will contribute up to $20 million to the initiative, which underscores the UAE’s growing commitment to deploying technology and innovation for global socio-economic development.
A Landmark Partnership To Tackle Learning Gaps
The partnership directs resources toward addressing the critical education challenges facing sub-Saharan Africa. By 2050, the continent will be home to one-third of the world’s youth, yet currently, nine out of ten children in the region cannot read or perform basic math by the age of 10.
By investing in this emerging dimension of educational infrastructure, ADQ is complementing its portfolio of physical and digital assets with capabilities designed to build human capital and support the long-term competitiveness of future economies. The initiative aligns with commitments made at the 2025 African Union Summit to end learning poverty by 2035.
A Two-Pronged Approach To Scaling Solutions
The $40 million commitment will be deployed through two flagship programs designed to address major funding and evidence gaps in the EdTech sector. Sub-Saharan Africa currently attracts just 2% of global EdTech venture capital, and over 93% of EdTech products in low- and middle-income countries lack proven learning impact.
The first program, AI-for-Education, is a global initiative that develops practical models of AI-enabled learning and provides guidance to governments. The second is a new EdTech and AI Fund, set to launch next year. Jointly anchored by ADQ and the Gates Foundation, this multi-investor vehicle will be the first of its kind dedicated to scaling proven EdTech and AI solutions at a national level across the continent.
Leadership Commentary
“As part of the UAE’s commitment to advancing AI and technology-enabled solutions, this partnership underscores ADQ’s dedication to delivering meaningful impact for current and future generations across global markets,” said His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of ADQ.
By combining our investment capabilities with the expertise of leading institutions, we aim to strengthen education systems, widen access to opportunity, and equip millions of young people across the African continent with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.”
Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation, commented on the collaboration, “AI has enormous potential to transform learning and expand opportunity. This partnership brings together the expertise needed to apply these tools responsibly and scale approaches already showing results. The UAE has shown leadership in using innovation to expand opportunity, and together we’ll build on that momentum to help children develop the foundational skills that shape their futures.”
About ADQ
ADQ is an Abu Dhabi-based sovereign investor focused on building a world-class portfolio of companies in critical infrastructure and global supply chains. Its investments are aimed at driving socio-economic development and creating pathways for inclusive growth, shaping and sustaining future economies through both physical and digital assets.
Source: Wamda
